While some contact centres still have the telephone as their primary form of contact, the market has undergone a paradigm shift to digital. Online contact, social media, chat, mobile, email (as well as voice) are all channels by which the customer service advisor must potentially interact with customers. 5 Jul 2016
Probyo, a newly launched brand, has just released an all-natural range of three cultured drinks, which aim to promote general health and wellbeing. The brand's Digestive, Immune and Sports drinks all contain live probiotics, including lactobacillus and bifidobacterium, which encourage positive health benefits. 4 Jul 2016
The R2bn Baywest Mall in Port Elizabeth is changing its marketing strategy and, instead of running singular campaigns to be 'something to everyone', it is creating separate marketing campaigns aimed at its diverse patrons, through high-tech social media campaigns. 4 Jul 2016
Furniture retailer Lewis Group has made huge strides on the disclosure front, with its just released annual report providing critical insights into its operations and the quality of its debtors book. 4 Jul 2016
A Hershey's chocolate bar is shown in this photo illustration in Encinitas, California, US in January 2015.
Picture: Reuters
NEW YORK - Hershey said on Thursday it had rejected a $23bn takeover bid by Mondelez International that would seek to expand the latter's limited US footprint and create the world's largest confectioner. 1 Jul 2016
Manufacturing optimism increased to 53.7 index points in June from 51.9 in May, surprising economists who had expected it to fall to 50.46, a Barclays sponsored poll of purchasing managers, released on Friday, showed. 1 Jul 2016
Picture: Supplied
Fraud, theft and personal security are some of the issues that consumers contend with when buying or selling second-hand goods through online classifieds. FlipSell, a new online classified, which recently received funding from digital company Platinum Seed, takes away the hassle and unease of dealing with a stranger, with its online transaction system. 1 Jul 2016
At a coffee shop in a small mall a few weeks ago, I noticed that the waiters suddenly became agitated and animated by something that was happening outside. I immediately assumed that some crime had taken place and started preparing my family to crawl under the table, when we noticed that a man had walked past with a huge snake draped over his shoulders. 1 Jul 2016
Albany has launched a new D'light range of breads that are infused with delicious flavours, such as Cinnamon & Popcorn, Butter, and Raisin & Cinnamon. 1 Jul 2016
From smiley faces to hearts and hugs, emoji icons have become an intrinsic part of our everyday lives. Emoji-africa announced its exclusive distributorship of officially branded emoji products to the sub-Saharan African marketplace earlier this week. 1 Jul 2016
The ticker symbol for Fitbit is displayed on the floor of the NYSE, New York, the US.
Picture: Reuters/Brendan McDermid
Local trend sweaters have taken a liking to Fitbit products, but difficulties in repairing the devices may dampen the appetite of consumers. 1 Jul 2016
One day, in the Land of Edgardale (as the story goes) Birgitt Gebauer, former CE of the Edgars chain - after a feverish exchange with newly appointed Edcon boss Bernie Brookes - turned on her heels, and blasted off, never to be seen again. 1 Jul 2016
The Hawks' counterfeit team has closed down a factory making counterfeit clothing in the Durban CBD. 30 Jun 2016
Friday, 24 June saw the official launch of Furi and Stanley Rogers in South Africa. Owned by the Fackelmann Group, they've been specifically selected for the local market, and as of July 2016, will be distributed by Prestige Quality Housewares. 30 Jun 2016
Dharmesh Nagar and Shaun Schwartz.
Brands establishing retail outlets or a presence in a department store typically issue design briefs and layout plans in line with the overall brand identity, leaving it up to the shopfitter to follow orders and simply get the job done. But few major brands consider the impact a shopfitter's approach to getting the job done can have on the brand reputation. 30 Jun 2016
Springs Mall at the Blue Crane Eco Park on the East Rand is already over 90% let some eight months before it opens in 2017. The 48,000m² new regional mall, under development in Springs, Ekurhuleni, represents a R950m investment. 30 Jun 2016
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